A new approach to dating: using a sign
A young Albuquerque man is hosting singles events with a sign that reads “Single and just wanna talk to someone. Come join me!”
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
Jacob Hill is taking dating back to the basics.
Ditching the dating apps, he’s trading in his swipe time for a seat at local businesses. The only thing different? He’s equipped with a sign.
The sign reads “Single and just wanna talk to someone. Come join me!”
He’s been trying out this approach in settings such as cafes, bookstores, restaurants and ice cream shops. Once approved by the owner, he sits at a table until someone else approaches.
“I just want to create different ways of meeting people outside of the apps and outside of online, like to maybe meet in person,” Hill said.
The 20-year-old says he’s tried cold approaches and speed dating, but feels that this could create more consensual, natural conversation.
Even if this approach doesn’t create a romantic match, he says it could also help to just make friends.
“It could be for anyone. If you want to make a friend, just sit,” he said. “I want people to feel less lonely because, especially in Gen Z, people are lonely, isolated nowadays.”
Hill says that although his autism and ADHD make finding a partner more difficult, they have also helped him to better connect.
“It makes it somewhat harder, but at the same time, I know people, like me, who have autism like people [who have] autism because they don’t mask around me and they can communicate,” Hill said. “I want a partner who has autism because it’s just easier to connect and to talk to that person.”
Local businesses, like Mrs. Sprinkles Ice Cream, have invited him to try out this idea at their spot. They noted how important it is to bring back in-person connections.
“I think it’s a lot harder these days because everything’s online. I feel like real connection has left the chat. I hope and pray that it comes back to the nostalgic ways of meeting people,” owner Amanda Bridgman said.
Hill is not just a role model for those navigating the dating scene, but to everyone putting themselves out there, even to the students he teaches during his day job.
Although Hill hasn’t found love through this approach yet, he says he’s walked away with relationships that are just as good.
“I definitely made some new friends along the way. I’m very grateful for that and I’m happy,” he said.
You can stay up to date with his events on Facebook and Instagram.
